Air-treatment assemblies and methods for monitoring performance

ABSTRACT

A method of operating an air-treatment appliance, as provided herein, may include directing a fluid-motivating unit (FMU) to motivate a fluid through the air-treatment appliance based on a condition setpoint. The method may also include receiving an ambient condition signal. The method may further include measuring a total active time of the FMU over a predetermined time period and estimating a power consumption based on the total active time of the FMU. The method may still further include determining a diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance based on the ambient condition signal and the estimated power consumption. The method may include transmitting a state signal to a user interface according to the determined diagnostic state.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to air-treatment assemblies, such as air conditioners, and more particularly to systems and methods for monitoring performance of an individual air-treatment assembly unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air-treatment assemblies, such as humidifier or air conditioner units, are typically provided to adjust the humidity or temperature within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. For example, one-unit type or single-package room air conditioner units, such as window units (including saddle window air conditioner units), single-package vertical units (SPVU), vertical packaged air conditioners (VPAC), or package terminal air conditioners (PTAC) may be utilized to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single room or group of rooms of a structure. A typical one-unit type air conditioner or air conditioning appliance includes an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The indoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area within a building, and the outdoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the ambient environment or area outside a building. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit generally extends through, for example, a wall or window of the building. Generally, a fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the indoor portion. Another fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the outdoor portion. A sealed cooling system including a compressor is generally housed within the air conditioner unit to treat (e.g., cool or heat) air as it is circulated through, for example, the indoor portion of the air conditioner unit. One or more control boards are typically provided to direct the operation of various elements of the particular air conditioner unit.

One of the issues that can arise with most air-treatment assemblies is evaluating or monitoring performance of a particular unit. In particular, a user may wish to know or diagnosis how efficiently or effectively the particular unit is operating (e.g., in comparison to an ideal or intended standard). Otherwise, it may be difficult for a user to know if a particular unit is operating improperly. In the past, units have relied on dedicated sensors to monitor performance-related conditions. For example, one or more sensors may be provided to directly measure the power consumption of the unit. Such configurations and sensors, however, often increase the cost and complexity of an air-treatment appliance.

As a result, there is a need for improved air-treatment assemblies or methods to address one or more of the above identified issues. In particular, it would be useful to provide a system or method for automatically (e.g., without direct user input or calculations) monitoring performance of a particular air-treatment assembly unit without the need of one or more dedicated sensor modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air-treatment appliance is provided. The method of operating the air-treatment appliance may include directing a fluid-motivating unit (FMU) to motivate a fluid through the air-treatment appliance based on a condition setpoint. The method may also include receiving an ambient condition signal. The method may further include measuring a total active time of the FMU over a predetermined time period and estimating a power consumption based on the total active time of the FMU. The method may still further include determining a diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance based on the ambient condition signal and the estimated power consumption. The method may include transmitting a state signal to a user interface according to the determined diagnostic state.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air-treatment appliance is provided. The method of operating the air-treatment appliance may include directing a fluid-motivating unit (FMU) to motivate a fluid through the air-treatment appliance based on a condition setpoint. The method may also include receiving an ambient condition signal and measuring an ambient condition value according to the ambient condition signal. The method may further include measuring a total active time of the FMU over a predetermined time period and estimating a power consumption based on the total active time of the FMU. The method may still further include determining a diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance based on the ambient condition signal and the estimated power consumption. Determining a diagnostic state may include determining a variation in the power consumption from an expected power consumption for the predetermined time period. The method may include transmitting a state signal to a user interface according to the determined diagnostic state.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air-treatment unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides an interior perspective of the exemplary air-treatment unit of FIG. 1 installed in a window.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a sealed system of the exemplary air-treatment unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of an assembly for monitoring an air treatment unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an air-treatment unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air-treatment appliance 100. In particular, air-treatment appliance 100 is illustrated as a saddle window air conditioner 100. FIG. 2 provides an interior perspective of saddle window air conditioner 100 installed in a window 10. Generally, saddle window air conditioner 100 is operable to generate chilled or heated air in order to regulate the temperature of an associated room or building. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, saddle window air conditioner 100 may be installed within window 10 to cool or heat air on an interior side of window 10 to a selected temperature. As discussed in greater detail below, a sealed system 120 (FIG. 3) of saddle window air conditioner 100 is disposed within a casing assembly 110. Thus, saddle window air conditioner 100 may be a self-contained or autonomous system or unit for heating or cooling air. Saddle window air conditioner 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T that are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

Although described in the context of a saddle window air conditioner, an air-treatment appliance as disclosed herein, may be provided as a package terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC), single-package vertical unit (SPVU), vertical packaged air conditioner (VPAC), through-window air conditioner unit, humidifier unit, or any other suitable air-treatment unit. The saddle window air conditioner 100 is intended only as an exemplary unit and does not otherwise limit the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the present disclosure may be equally applicable to other types of air-treatment units.

In some embodiments, air conditioner 100 includes casing assembly 110 that defines a separate indoor portion 116 and outdoor portion 118. For instance, casing assembly 110 may include an interior casing 112 (e.g., defining indoor portion 116) and an exterior casing 114 (e.g., defining outdoor portion 118). In optional embodiments, casing assembly 100 further includes a chaseway 130. Interior casing 112 and exterior casing 114 may be spaced apart from each other (e.g., along the transverse direction T). Thus, interior casing 112 may be positioned at or contiguous with an interior atmosphere on one side of window 10, and exterior casing 114 may be positioned at or contiguous with an exterior atmosphere on the other side of window 10. Chaseway 130 may extend between interior casing 112 and exterior casing 114 (e.g., through window 10).

Turning to FIG. 3, sealed system 120 is disposed or positioned within casing assembly 110, and sealed system 120 includes components for transferring heat between the exterior atmosphere and the interior atmosphere. In particular, various components of sealed system 120 are positioned within interior casing 112 while other components of sealed system 120 are positioned within exterior casing 114. Sealed system 120 is generally configured for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling air within air conditioner 100. As illustrated, an indoor heat exchanger 123 may be housed within interior casing 112, and an outdoor heat exchanger 125 may be housed within exterior casing 114.

One or more fluid-motivating units (FMUs) (e.g., compressors, fans, blowers, pumps, etc.) are provided to motivate a corresponding fluid, such as a refrigerant fluid or air, either through sealed system 120 (e.g., as in the case of a compressor) or across a portion of sealed system 120 (e.g., as in the case of a fan). In some embodiments, one or more FMUs of the outdoor portion 118 (e.g., outdoor fan 148 or compressor 122) are housed within exterior casing 114. For instance, an outdoor fan 148 within exterior casing 114 may be positioned in fluid communication with outdoor heat exchanger 125 to motivate an airflow across outdoor heat exchanger 125 while compressor 122 in exterior casing 114 is in fluid communication with outdoor heat exchanger 125 (i.e., via a separate flowpath from outdoor fan 148) to direct a refrigerant fluid through outdoor heat exchanger 125. In additional or alternative embodiments, components of the indoor portion 116 (e.g., an indoor fan 150) are housed within interior casing 112. For instance, an indoor fan 150 within interior casing 112 may be positioned in fluid communication with indoor heat exchanger 123 to motivate an airflow across indoor heat exchanger 123 and to the corresponding room or building while compressor 122 in exterior casing 114 is in fluid communication with indoor heat exchanger 123 (i.e., via a separate flowpath from indoor fan 150) to direct a refrigerant fluid through indoor heat exchanger 123.

Indoor and outdoor heat exchangers 123, 125 may be components of a thermodynamic assembly (i.e., sealed system 120), which may be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) and, optionally, a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). Thus, as is understood, optional embodiments may be selectively operated perform a refrigeration cycle at certain instances (e.g., while in a cooling mode) and a heat pump cycle at other instances (e.g., while in a heating mode). By contrast, other embodiments may be unable to perform a heat pump cycle (e.g., while in a heating mode), but still perform a refrigeration cycle (e.g., while in a cooling mode).

In exemplary embodiments, the sealed system 120 includes a reversing valve 132 (e.g., within exterior casing 114). Reversing valve 132 selectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressor 122 to either indoor heat exchanger 123 or outdoor heat exchanger 125. For example, in a cooling mode, reversing valve 132 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 122 to outdoor heat exchanger 125. Conversely, in a heating mode, reversing valve 132 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 122 to indoor heat exchanger 123. Thus, reversing valve 132 permits the sealed system 120 to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling mode, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

When the sealed system 120 is operating in a cooling mode, and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 123 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 125 acts as a condenser. In additional or alternative embodiments, when the sealed system 120 is operating in a heating mode, and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 123 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 125 acts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 125, 123 may each include coils (e.g., exterior coils 126 and interior coils 124, respectively) through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

In some embodiments, sealed system 120 includes a capillary tube 128 disposed between interior coil 124 and exterior coil 126 (e.g., such that capillary tube 128 extends between and fluidly couples interior coil 124 and exterior coil 126). Optionally, capillary tube 128 may be mounted in outdoor portion 118 or within exterior casing 114. Refrigerant, which may be in the form of high liquid quality/saturated liquid vapor mixture, may exit exterior coil 126 and travel through capillary tube 128 before flowing through interior coil 124. Capillary tube 128 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. The refrigerant may then be flowed through interior coil 124.

Interior coil 124 is disposed downstream of capillary tube 128 in the cooling mode and acts as an evaporator with indoor heat exchanger 123. Thus, interior coil 124 is operable to heat refrigerant within interior coil 124 with energy from the interior atmosphere at indoor portion 116 when sealed system 120 is operating in the cooling mode. For example, the liquid or liquid vapor mixture refrigerant from capillary tube 128 may enter interior coil 124 via a distribution conduit that extends between and fluidly connects interior coil 124 and reversing valve 132. Within interior coil 124, the refrigerant from capillary tube 128 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor or high quality vapor mixture. An interior air handler or fan 150 is positioned adjacent interior coil 124 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere across interior coil 124 in order to facilitate heat transfer.

During operation of sealed system 120 in the heating mode, reversing valve 132 reverses the direction of refrigerant flow through sealed system 120. Thus, in the heating mode, interior coil 124 is disposed downstream of compressor 122 and acts as a condenser, e.g., such that interior coil 124 is operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere at indoor portion 116 of casing 110. In addition, exterior coil 126 is disposed downstream of capillary tube 128 in the heating mode and acts as an evaporator (e.g., such that exterior coil 126 is operable to heat refrigerant within exterior coil 126 with energy from the outdoor portion 118).

When assembled, various fluid passages, such as refrigerant conduits, liquid runoff conduits, etc., may extend through chaseway 130 to fluidly connect components within interior and exterior casings 112, 114.

The operation of air conditioner 100; including compressor 122 (and thus the sealed system 120 generally), indoor fan 150, outdoor fan 148, and other suitable components; may be controlled by a control board or controller 152. Controller 152 may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner 100. By way of example, the controller 152 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of appliance 100. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. A user interface (e.g., mounted on indoor portion 116) having one or more inputs 154 (FIG. 4), such as a physical button, tactile switch, or touchscreen, may be included with air-treatment appliance 100 and operably coupled to controller 152. A user of the air-treatment appliance 100 may thus interact with (e.g., provided commands to) the user inputs 154 to operate the appliance 100, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs 154 and controller 152 to facilitate operation of the appliance 100 based on such user commands.

In certain embodiments, an indoor refrigerant temperature sensor 162 or an indoor ambient temperature sensor 164 is/are disposed within the indoor portion 116. Each temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of its surroundings. For example, each temperature sensor may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The indoor temperature sensors 162, 164 may be in communication with or operably coupled to the controller 152, and may transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the controller 152 (e.g., as one or more temperature signals or voltages, which the controller 152 is configured to interpret as temperature values).

Indoor refrigerant temperature sensor 162 may be disposed proximal the indoor heat exchanger 123 (e.g., proximal relative to the distal indoor ambient temperature sensor 164). For example, in some embodiments, indoor refrigerant temperature sensor 162 may be in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 123. The indoor refrigerant temperature sensor 162 may be configured to detect a temperature for the indoor heat exchanger 123. Indoor ambient temperature sensor 164 may be spaced from the indoor heat exchanger 123, such as in the transverse direction T. For example, the indoor ambient temperature sensor 164 may be in contact with a front portion of interior casing 112. Indoor ambient temperature sensor 164 may be configured to detect a temperature of air entering the indoor portion 116. During certain operations (e.g., cooling operations), air may thus generally flow across or adjacent to the indoor ambient temperature sensor 164 and the indoor refrigerant temperature sensor 162.

In certain embodiments, an outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor 166) or an outdoor ambient temperature sensor 168 is/are disposed within the outdoor portion 118. Each temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of its surroundings. For example, each temperature sensor may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The outdoor temperature sensors 166, 168 may be in communication with the controller 152, and may transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the controller 152 (e.g., as one or more voltage signals, which the controller 152 is configured to interpret as temperature readings).

Outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor 166 may be disposed proximal the outdoor heat exchanger 125 (e.g., relative to the distal outdoor ambient temperature sensor 168). For example, in some embodiments, outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor 166 may be in contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 125. The outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor 166 may be configured to detect a temperature for the outdoor heat exchanger 125. Outdoor ambient temperature sensor 168 may be spaced from the outdoor heat exchanger 125, such as in the transverse direction T. For example, the outdoor ambient temperature sensor 168 may be on or in contact with a portion of exterior casing 114. The outdoor ambient temperature sensor 168 may be configured to detect a temperature for air entering the outdoor portion 118. During certain operations (e.g., heating operations), air may thus generally flow across or adjacent to the outdoor ambient temperature sensor 168 and then the outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor 166.

Optionally, further embodiments may include one or more sensors, such as an outdoor humidity sensor 170, mounted to outdoor portion 118 to detect additional conditions of the ambient environment. For instance, the outdoor humidity sensor 170 may be on or in contact with a portion of exterior casing 114. The outdoor humidity sensor 170 may be configured to detect a humidity for air entering the outdoor portion 118. The outdoor humidity sensor 170 may be in communication with the controller 152, and may transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the controller 152 (e.g., as one or more voltage signals, which the controller 152 is configured to interpret as humidity values).

Turning now to FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, air-treatment appliance is in wireless communication with one or more distal or separate nodes. For instance, controller 152 may be in wireless communication with one or more nodes to selectively transmit or receive signals through a suitable wireless network 402. In certain embodiments, controller 152 includes a network interface 414 such that controller 152 can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., network 402) with one or more network nodes. As shown, air-treatment appliance 100 can be communicatively coupled with network 402 and various other nodes, such as a remote server 420 and one or more user devices 430. Moreover, one or more users can be in operative communication with air-treatment appliance 100 by various methods, including voice control or gesture recognition, for example.

Network 402 can be any suitable type of network, such as a local area network (e.g., intranet), wide area network (e.g., internet), low power wireless networks [e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)], or some combination thereof and can include any number of wired or wireless links. In general, communication over network 402 can be carried via any type of wired or wireless connection, using a wide variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

Controller 152 can include one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with other devices communicatively coupled with air-treatment appliance 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components can be located off board controller 152. Generally, controller 152 can be positioned in any suitable location throughout air-treatment appliance 100.

In some embodiments, a remote server 420, such as a web server, is in operable communication with air-treatment appliance 100. The remote server 420 can be used to host a weather database or site (e.g., providing information or data of current or historical weather data). The remote server 420 can be implemented using any suitable computing device(s). The remote server 420 may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices (i.e., memory). The one or more processors can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory device can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory devices can store data and instructions which are executed by the processor to cause remote server 420 to perform operations. For example, instructions could be instructions for receiving/transmitting data (e.g., values corresponding to a temperature or humidity of the city or region in which air-treatment appliance 100 is installed).

The memory devices may also include data, such as social media data, notification data, message data, image data, etc., that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by processor. The data can be stored in one or more databases. The one or more databases can be connected to remote server 420 by a high bandwidth LAN or WAN, or can also be connected to remote server 420 through network 402. The one or more databases can be split up so that they are located in multiple locales.

Remote server 420 includes a network interface 424 such that interactive remote server 420 can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., network 402) with one or more network nodes. Network interface 424 can be an onboard component or it can be a separate, off board component. In turn, remote server 420 can exchange data with one or more nodes over the network 402. In particular, remote server 420 can exchange data with air-treatment appliance. Although not pictured, it is understood that remote server 420 may further exchange data with any number of client devices over the network 402. The client devices can be any suitable type of computing device, such as a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, laptop, desktop, integrated circuit, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, or other suitable computing device. In some instances, weather data (e.g., temperature or humidity values) may thus be exchanged between air-treatment appliance and various separate client devices through remote server 420.

In certain embodiments, a user device 430 is communicatively coupled with network 402 such that user device 430 can communicate with air-treatment appliance 100. User device 430 can communicate directly with air-treatment appliance 100 via network 402. Alternatively, a user can communicate indirectly with air-treatment appliance 100 by communicating via network 402 with remote server 420, which in turn communicates with air-treatment appliance 100 via network 402. Moreover, user can be in operative communication with or operably coupled to user device 430 such that a user can communicate with air-treatment appliance 100 via user device 430.

User device 430 can be any type of device, such as, for example, a personal computing device (e.g., laptop or desktop), a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone or tablet), a gaming console or controller, a wearable computing device, an embedded computing device, a remote, or any other suitable type of user computing device. User device 430 can include one or more user device controllers 432. Controller 432 can include one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The one or more processors can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a controller 432, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory device (i.e., memory) can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory can store data and instructions which are executed by the processor to cause user device 430 to perform operations. Controller 432 of a user device 430 includes a network interface 434 such that user device 430 can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., network 402) with one or more network nodes. Moreover, controller 432 may be able to receive or transmit one or more messages (e.g., audio alert, visual alert, etc.) over one or more networks, such as network 402 or an additional or alternative network. Network interface 434 can be an onboard component of controller 432 or it can be a separate, off board component. Controller 432 can also include one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with other devices communicatively coupled with user device 430. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components can be located off board controller 432.

User device 430 can include a user interface having one or more user inputs 436 (e.g., buttons, tactile switches, etc.), one or more cameras, or a monitor 438 configured to display graphical user interfaces or other visual representations to user. For example, monitor 438 can display graphical user interfaces corresponding to operational features of air-treatment appliance 100 such that user may manipulate or select the features to operate air-treatment appliance 100. Monitor 438 can be a touch sensitive component (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen or a touch pad) that is sensitive to the touch of a user input object (e.g., a finger or a stylus). For example, a user may touch the display with his or her finger and type in a series of numbers on the display. In addition, motion of the user input object relative to the monitor 438 can enable user to provide input to user device 430. User device 430 may provide other suitable methods for providing input to user device 430 as well. Moreover, user device 430 can include one or more speakers, one or more cameras, or more than one microphones such that user device 430 is configured with voice control, motion detection, and other functionality.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the present disclosure may further be directed to methods (e.g., method 500) of operating an air-treatment appliance or unit, such as air-treatment appliance 100. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 152 may be operable to perform various steps of a method in accordance with the present disclosure (e.g., as part of a monitoring operation).

The method 500 may occur as, or as part of, a monitoring operation (e.g., initiated or performed, at least in part, during a cooling or heating operation) of the air-treatment appliance 100. In particular, the methods disclosed herein may advantageously permit a user to automatically monitor the efficacy or diagnosis state of air-treatment appliance 100 without the need of one or more dedicated monitoring sensors (e.g., for monitoring power consumption or operational state). In particular, a user may be automatically notified or instructed when air-treatment appliance 100 has reached an error state (e.g., outside of its intended state).

It is noted that the order of steps within method 500 is for illustrative purposes. Except as otherwise indicated, one or more steps in the below method 500 may be changed, rearranged, performed in a different order, or otherwise modified without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning especially to FIG. 5, at 510, the method 500 includes directing an FMU to motivate a fluid through the air-treatment appliance based on a condition setpoint. In some embodiments, 510 is performed as part of a cooling or heating operation, such as when the air-treatment appliance operates to bring the corresponding room or building (i.e., in which indoor portion is located) to the corresponding setpoint (or within a predetermined range). The condition setpoint may be a setpoint temperature or humidity (e.g., provided by a user, as is commonly understood). Thus, the FMU may be selectively activated in order to help reach to condition setpoint.

As described above, an FMU may include or be provided as a compressor or fan. In particular, the FMU at 510 may include or be provided as a compressor (e.g., of the sealed system) or a fan (e.g., of the indoor portion or the outdoor portion). As an example, the FMU at 510 may include the compressor in fluid communication with a heat exchanger (e.g., the indoor heat exchanger) to direct a refrigerant therethrough, such as would be provided during a sealed refrigeration or heat pump cycle. As another example, the FMU at 510 may include a fan directed at a heat exchanger (e.g., the indoor heat exchanger) to motivate an airflow across the same heat exchanger, such as would be provided to direct or motivate conditioned air to the corresponding room or building.

Optionally, the air-treatment appliance may include multiple FMUs, as described above. In certain embodiments, the FMU described above at 510 is a first FMU that includes a compressor in fluid communication with a heat exchanger to direct a refrigerant therethrough, while a second FMU is provided and includes a fan in fluid communication with the same heat exchanger to motivate an airflow thereacross. As is understood, the airflow motivated by the second FMU would be fluidly isolated from the refrigerant flow motivated by the compressor. In some such embodiments, the method 500 further includes directing the second FMU to motivate the airflow based on the condition setpoint (e.g., in tandem with or independently from the first FMU).

At 520, the method 500 includes receiving an ambient condition signal.

Generally, the ambient condition signal may correspond to the environment or conditions surrounding the building or structure on which the air treatment assembly is installed. Moreover, the ambient condition signal may correspond to a condition that generally affects performance or necessary power consumption of the air-treatment appliance. For instance, the ambient condition signal may correspond to a temperature or humidity of the ambient environment in which the outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance.

As is understood, temperature or humidity of the ambient environment will commonly affect performance and power consumption needed to cool/heat the enclosed room or building within which the indoor portion is positioned. Upon receiving the ambient condition signal, the air-treatment appliance (e.g., the controller thereof) may interpret a temperature value or humidity value corresponding to the ambient condition signal. Thus, in some embodiments, the method 500 includes measuring an ambient condition value (e.g., temperature value or humidity value) according to the ambient condition signal.

In exemplary embodiments, the ambient condition signal is an ambient temperature signal (e.g., corresponding to a temperature value of the ambient environment). As an example, the ambient temperature signal may be received from the outdoor ambient temperature sensor, which may be mounted on an outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance. Thus, the ambient temperature signal may directly correspond to temperature at the area in which the outdoor portion is located. As another example, the ambient temperature signal may be received from the remote server in operable communication with the air-treatment appliance. For instance, the ambient temperature signal (or value indicated thereby) may originate from a remote weather station that is also in operable communication with the remote server, as is commonly understood. The ambient temperature signal may thus correspond to a remote value of temperature (e.g., within the same city or region), while still indirectly providing an indication of temperature at the area in which the outdoor portion is located.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the ambient condition signal is an ambient humidity signal (e.g., corresponding to a humidity value of the ambient environment). As an example, the ambient humidity signal may be received from an outdoor humidity sensor, which may be mounted on an outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance. Thus, the ambient humidity signal may directly correspond to humidity at the area in which the outdoor portion is located. As another example, the ambient humidity signal may be received from the remote server in operable communication with the air-treatment appliance. For instance, the ambient humidity signal (or value indicated thereby) may originate from a remote weather station that is also in operable communication with the remote server, as is commonly understood. The ambient humidity signal may thus correspond to a remote value of humidity (e.g., within the same city or region), while still indirectly providing an indication of humidity at the area in which the outdoor portion is located.

In some embodiments, the ambient condition signal at 520 corresponds to a single value. For instance, the ambient condition signal may correspond to a specific condition (e.g., temperature or humidity) value, such as a specific point in time. Optionally, the ambient condition value may be a daily value. In some such embodiments, the ambient condition signal is taken at a predetermined time (e.g., programmed within the controller of the air-treatment appliance). In other embodiments, the ambient condition signal corresponds to a maximum value (e.g., maximum daily temperature value or maximum daily humidity value) determined over a predetermined time period (e.g., twenty-four-hour time period).

In additional or alternative embodiments, receiving an ambient condition signal at 520 includes receiving a plurality of ambient condition signals over a predetermined time period (e.g., twenty-four-hour time period). Each ambient condition signal may correspond to an ambient condition value (e.g., temperature value or humidity value) at a discrete time point (e.g., time of day or interval) within the predetermined time period. In some such embodiments, the method 500 further includes calculating an average or mean value of the plurality of ambient condition values.

At 530, the method 500 includes measuring a total active time of the FMU over a predetermined time period (e.g., twenty-four-hour time period). Thus, 530 may include detecting and recording the amount of time in which the FMU actively operates, rotates, or motivates fluid through the air-treatment appliance during the predetermined time period. Optionally, if a second FMU is included, 530 may further include measuring a total active of the second FMU over the predetermined time period. Thus, 530 may include detecting and recording the amount of time in which the second FMU actively operates, rotates, or motivates fluid through the air-treatment appliance during the predetermined time period.

At 540, the method 500 includes estimating a power consumption based on the total active time of the FMU. Expected values, formulas, or models that correlate run time to power consumption of the FMU or air-treatment appliance may be provided (e.g., programmed within the controller of the air-treatment appliance). Optionally, if a second FMU is included, 540 may further estimating the power consumption based on the total active time of the second FMU (e.g., in addition to the total active time of the first FMU).

At 550, the method 500 includes determining a diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance based on the ambient condition signal and the estimated power consumption. For instance, a look-up table, formula, or model that correlates an ambient condition value (e.g., along with a setpoint value or range) to an expected power consumption value may be provided (e.g., programmed within the controller of the air-treatment appliance). Thus, 550 may include comparing the estimated power consumption to an expected power consumption (e.g., a predetermined reference value for the predetermined time period). According to this comparison, the method 500 may determine that the air-treatment appliance is in an ideal (e.g., correctly-functioning) diagnostic state or, alternatively, an error (e.g., incorrectly-functioning) diagnostic state.

As noted above, the ambient condition value may be provided as a value of ambient conditions at a single point in time or, alternatively, over the predetermined time period (e.g., a mean or average value).

Optionally, 550 may include determining a variation (e.g., as a percentage) in the estimated power consumption and the expected power consumption or predetermined reference value for the predetermined time period. For instance, if the variation meets or exceeds (i.e., is equal to or greater than) a set variation value, an error diagnostic state may be determined. By contrast, if the variation does not meet or exceed (i.e., is less than) the set variation value, an ideal diagnostic state may be determined. In some such embodiments, the set variation value is 30%. In other embodiments, the set variation value is 40%. In further embodiments, the set variation value is 50%.

In certain embodiments, variation in estimated power consumption and an expected power consumption may be tracked over multiple predetermined periods (e.g., multiple days). Thus, the method 500 may include recording a discrete variation in estimated power consumption and expected power consumption for each predetermined period. Over several predetermined periods (e.g., successive predetermined periods), such as three (3) successive time periods or five (5) successive time periods, a trend may be established. In certain embodiments, an excessive variation is required over multiple successive predetermined time periods (e.g., 3 to 5 successive days) before an error diagnostic state is determined. For instance, in exemplary embodiments, if a variation that is greater than or equal to the set variation value is found on each day on 5 successive days, an error diagnostic state may be determined. By contrast, if a variation less than the set variation value is found on any one of 5 successive days, an ideal diagnostic state may be determined.

At 560, the method 500 includes transmitting a state signal to a user interface according to the determined diagnostic state. In other words, once a diagnostic state is determined at 550, the method 500 may proceed to transmitting the state signal at 560. In some such embodiments, the user interface is provided on the user device (e.g., in wireless communication with the air-treatment appliance). Thus, 560 may include transmitting a wireless state signal, which corresponds to the diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance, over the network to the user device at a location spaced apart from the air-treatment appliance. In certain embodiments, the state signal initiates an alert display, which can visually show or illustrate the diagnostic state (e.g., at the monitor of the user device). Optionally, the alert display may only be initiated in response to an error diagnostic state. Advantageously, a user may be automatically made aware of potential problems or service needs without having to manually check or monitor the air-treatment appliance.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating an air-treatment appliance comprising a fluid-motivating unit (FMU) and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the FMU, the method comprising: directing the FMU to motivate a fluid through the air-treatment appliance based on a condition setpoint; receiving an ambient condition signal; measuring a total active time of the FMU over a predetermined time period; estimating a power consumption based on the total active time of the FMU; determining a diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance based on the ambient condition signal and the estimated power consumption; and transmitting a state signal to a user interface according to the determined diagnostic state.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the FMU comprises a compressor in upstream fluid communication with the heat exchanger to direct a refrigerant therethrough.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the air-treatment appliance further comprises a second FMU comprising a fan in upstream fluid communication with the heat exchanger to direct an airflow across the heat exchanger, wherein the method further comprises: directing the second FMU to motivate the airflow based on the condition setpoint; and measuring a total active time of the second FMU over the predetermined time period, wherein estimating the power consumption is further based on the total active time of the second FMU.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the FMU comprises a fan in upstream fluid communication with the heat exchanger to direct an airflow across the heat exchanger.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the ambient condition signal is an ambient temperature signal.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ambient temperature signal is received from a temperature sensor mounted on an outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the ambient temperature signal is received from a remote server in operable communication with the air-treatment appliance.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ambient condition signal comprises an ambient humidity signal.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the ambient humidity signal is received from a humidity sensor mounted on an outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the ambient humidity signal is received from a remote server in operable communication with the air-treatment appliance.
 11. A method for operating an air-treatment appliance comprising a fluid-motivating unit (FMU) and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the FMU, the method comprising: directing the FMU to motivate a fluid through the air-treatment appliance based on a condition setpoint; receiving an ambient condition signal; measuring an ambient condition value according to the ambient condition signal; measuring a total active time of the FMU over a predetermined time period; estimating a power consumption based on the total active time of the FMU; determining a diagnostic state of the air-treatment appliance based on the ambient condition signal and the estimated power consumption, determining a diagnostic state including determining a variation in the power consumption from an expected power consumption for the predetermined time period; and transmitting a state signal to a user interface according to the determined diagnostic state.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the FMU comprises a compressor in upstream fluid communication with the heat exchanger to direct a refrigerant therethrough.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the air-treatment appliance further comprises a second FMU comprising a fan in upstream fluid communication with the heat exchanger to direct an airflow across the heat exchanger, wherein the method further comprises: directing the second FMU to motivate the airflow based on the condition setpoint; and measuring a total active time of the second FMU over the predetermined time period, wherein estimating the power consumption is further based on the total active time of the second FMU.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the FMU comprises a fan in upstream fluid communication with the heat exchanger to direct an airflow across the heat exchanger.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the ambient condition signal is an ambient temperature signal.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the ambient temperature signal is received from a temperature sensor mounted on an outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the ambient temperature signal is received from a remote server in operable communication with the air-treatment appliance.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the ambient condition signal comprises an ambient humidity signal
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the ambient humidity signal is received from a humidity sensor mounted on an outdoor portion of the air-treatment appliance.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the ambient humidity signal is received from a remote server in operable communication with the air-treatment appliance. 